You want to become a successful sustainability executive. What’s the first step?

1 Know your field

The first step is to know your field inside and out. Environmental engineering is a broad and interdisciplinary field that covers many aspects of sustainability, such as renewable energy, water management, waste reduction, climate change, green buildings, and environmental policy. As a sustainability executive, you will need to have a solid understanding of the technical, social, economic, and ethical dimensions of these issues, and how they affect different stakeholders and sectors. You will also need to keep up with the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in your field, and be aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

2 Develop your skills

The second step is to develop your skills and competencies that are essential for a sustainability executive. These include strategic thinking, leadership, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. You will need to be able to formulate and implement a vision and a plan for sustainability that aligns with your organization's mission, values, and goals. You will also need to be able to lead and inspire your team, communicate effectively with different audiences, solve complex and multidisciplinary problems, generate and evaluate new ideas, and collaborate with diverse and cross-functional partners.

3 Build your network

The third step is to build your network and relationships with people who can help you advance your career. These include mentors, peers, colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers, regulators, policymakers, media, and community members. You will need to establish trust, credibility, and rapport with them, and demonstrate your value and expertise. You will also need to seek feedback, advice, and support from them, and offer the same in return. Networking is not only about exchanging information and contacts, but also about creating mutual benefit and long-term partnerships.

4 Showcase your achievements

The fourth step is to showcase your achievements and contributions to sustainability. You will need to document and measure the impact and outcomes of your projects, initiatives, and programs, and communicate them clearly and persuasively. You will also need to highlight your skills and competencies, and how they have helped you achieve your goals. You can use various platforms and channels to showcase your achievements, such as your resume, portfolio, website, blog, social media, presentations, publications, awards, and testimonials.

5 Seek opportunities

The fifth step is to seek opportunities that can help you grow and learn as a sustainability executive. These include professional development, education, training, certification, coaching, mentoring, volunteering, internships, fellowships, and job openings. You will need to be proactive, curious, and flexible, and look for opportunities that can challenge you, expose you to new perspectives and experiences, expand your knowledge and skills, and connect you with influential and inspiring people. You will also need to be prepared, confident, and resilient, and seize the opportunities that come your way.

6 Be passionate

The sixth and final step is to be passionate about your field and your career. Passion is what drives you to pursue your vision, overcome obstacles, and make a difference. Passion is what motivates you to keep learning, improving, and innovating. Passion is what attracts and inspires others to join you and support you. Passion is what makes you a successful sustainability executive.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?